Your Guide to Staying Connected During the Legislative Session

Happy New Year! We hope you had a relaxing winter break and are ready to start the semester strong! With the new legislative session beginning on Jan. 14, we've got a lot to prepare for as we head into one of the biggest fights yet to stop private school vouchers and fully fund our public schools. But we can't do it without your help.

It will take all of us - teachers, support staff, faculty, parents, and students -to fight back against well-funded forces intent on gutting Texas public schools and bankrolling private and charter schools. Knowing this, Texas AFT (and our partner organizations) have some upcoming events to help prepare for the session and get connected with fellow educators who share your values and concerns:

• Our monthly organizing call! We'll talk about the challenges we face in the Legislature and in our districts and the tried-and-true strategies and tactics that can help us overcome them. Next event: Thursday, Jan. 23.

• Our Testifier Training! Join one of our upcoming training sessions to learn the ins and outs of testifying at the Capitol. At the end of the session, we'll help you schedule a date to testify this spring! Next event: Monday, Jan. 27.

• Our legislative livestreams ! Each month of session, we will provide live updates on what's happening at the Capitol, what it means for your school, and what you can do to advocate for yourself, your kids, and your community. All sessions will be streamed to Texas AFT's Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. Next event: Thursday, Feb. 6.

Additionally, make sure to check in throughout the semester with our Texas AFT Mobilize page to find out what events are happening in your area! There, you'll also find events from our Bridges Institute for Professional Development. You can sign up for sessions on TTESS evaluations, financial wellness, and meditation and mindfulness. Because taking care of you is also a form of advocacy.